5/31/16

This documentary submitted by Ireland, enjoyed its North American
Premiere at the 2016 Seattle International Film Festival. Director Conor
Horgan, working with Drag Queen Rory O'Neill (Panti Bliss), has recorded for posterity Ireland's historic battle over a referendum to legalize gay marriage. Charismatic drag queen Panti Bliss,
in full outrageous form, sort of slides into activism when she makes
some comments about homophobia. His/Her comments led to a tempest in
Irish politics which was dubbed "Pantigate."

As
usual, one thing leads to another and gay marriage becomes the central
issue. She describes herself as a court jester, or a clown, but to her,
the issue of self-respect and acceptance is as important as gay
marriage. The idea of gays getting married is simply a formal admission
by the government that all of its citizens are equal.

Our
SIFF audience laughed at his battle cry, "Sissy Power!" but we were
touched by his description of his feelings at a pedestrian crossing. One
senator in Ireland "outed" himself years ago, so he became "The Gay
Irishman," like he was the only gay in the country. He found that
amusing, and so did we! This is nicely done, although "Panti" mugs constantly for the camera...

His return to his tiny hometown, Ballinrobe, Ireland, is particularly important to him, and he describes it well...